Volvo XC90 wipers problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · UT

My 2025 Volvo XC90 (VIN: [XXX], approximately 50,000 miles) has recurring electrical failures affecting the infotainment system, HVAC/defroster, airbags, windshield wipers, and turn signals. On [XXX], while driving, the infotainment-based HVAC controls suddenly stopped functioning, disabling windshield defrosting. The windshield rapidly fogged, severely obstructing my visibility. I nearly drove off the road, and the lane correction system helped prevent an accident. After pulling over and rebooting the infotainment system, the HVAC and defroster resumed working. During the first snowfall of the season, the vehicle also unexpectedly entered limp mode on the freeway, forcing us onto the shoulder and leaving us stranded. These failures recur unpredictably. Airbag and wiper warnings disappear after the vehicle is shut off for several hours. Infotainment and turn signal failures temporarily resolve after rebooting the infotainment system. I reported these issues repeatedly to Ken Garff Volvo in Salt Lake City. The dealer performed software upgrades on [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX] (part #31483292), but the failures continue. The dealer stated the updates would fix the issues. I do not know whether they reproduced each malfunction. The vehicle has been serviced by an authorized Volvo dealer. I am requesting a Volvo corporate safety investigation. I am unaware of any police, insurance, or separate manufacturer engineering inspection. Recurring warning messages and electronic failures preceded the November 4 incident, although I do not recall a specific warning immediately before the defroster failed. The vehicle is available for inspection with safe transportation arrangements. These unresolved failures create a serious risk of collision or injury. Dealer declined to provide full repair and diagnostic records, stating Volvo corporate would request them directly. Only software upgrade part numbers and module lists were provided. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · UT

My 2025 Volvo XC90 (VIN: [XXX], approximately 50,000 miles) unexpectedly entered limp mode while driving on the freeway during the first snowfall of the year. The vehicle suddenly lost normal driving capability, forcing us to pull onto the shoulder, where we were stranded in hazardous winter driving conditions. This created a serious risk of being struck by passing vehicles. The vehicle has a history of recurring electrical failures involving airbags, windshield wipers, turn signals, infotainment, and HVAC controls. These failures often temporarily disappear after restarting the vehicle or rebooting the infotainment system, only to return later. I have repeatedly reported these electrical problems to Ken Garff Volvo in Salt Lake City. The dealership performed software upgrades on [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX] (part #31483292), but the failures continue. The dealer stated the updates would correct the problems. I cannot confirm whether the dealership reproduced the limp-mode failure or identified its cause. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Volvo dealer. I am unaware of any separate inspection by Volvo corporate engineers, police, or insurance representatives. There was no warning messages displayed immediately before the limp-mode incident. Other recurring warning messages, including airbag and wiper errors, have appeared during the vehicle's history. I requested complete repair and diagnostic records, but the dealership declined to provide them, stating Volvo corporate would request whatever information it needed directly. The vehicle is available for inspection with arrangements for safe transportation. I believe this unexpected loss of driving capability presents a serious collision risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · VA

The vehicle experienced a major electrical system malfunction involving multiple critical components. The issue began with the Volvo On Call system light remaining illuminated continuously, which suggested a possible communication or battery-related fault. Shortly after, additional systems failed, including the turn signal system, windshield wipers, and high beam headlights. These components are currently non-functional and can be made available for inspection upon request. The failure significantly impacted vehicle safety. The loss of turn signals made it impossible to properly indicate lane changes or turns to other drivers, increasing the risk of collisions. The failure of the windshield wipers created a serious hazard in adverse weather conditions, reducing visibility. Additionally, the loss of high beam headlights limited nighttime driving visibility. While daytime running lights and hazard lights remain functional, they are not sufficient substitutes for the failed systems. The problem has been consistent and reproducible. Each time the vehicle is operated, the same warning messages appear, including “Turn Indicator System Malfunction” and “Wiper Failure – Service Required,” and the affected systems do not respond. At this time, the issue has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but diagnostics codes (including communication-related fault codes) have been observed. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. However, based on the symptoms, the issue appears to involve a failure in the vehicle’s central electronic or communication control systems. Prior to the complete failure, warning signs were present. The Volvo On Call light remained on persistently, indicating a potential underlying electrical or module communication issue. This warning appeared before the loss of the turn signals, wipers, and high beams, suggesting a progressive system failure.

Filed Jun 4, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

The vehicle exhibits excessive oil consumption due to defective oil control rings, as highlighted by Quality Bulletin P10186. Additionally, the sunroof leaks, as noted in Technical Journal 31272 and TJ 35503.3.0, and there are further issues with the windshield wiper/turn signal system, the parking brake system, and the steering wheel module. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The excessive oil consumption and related engine issues can lead to engine damage and potential failure while driving, posing a serious safety risk. The sunroof leakage could impair visibility and cause electrical failures. The persistent dashboard warning messages and system malfunctions further distract and endanger the driver and others on the road. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by various dealers and independent service centers, as indicated by numerous customer cases, court rulings, and a class-action lawsuit. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and documented in various technical journals and bulletins. There is no specific mention of inspection by police or insurance representatives. Yes, there were several warning lamps and messages, including the low oil light, Check Engine light, and messages related to the parking brake and windshield wiper/turn signal system. Symptoms such as slow acceleration, loss of power, higher tailpipe emissions, and a foul odor from the exhaust were also observed. These issues appeared shortly after acquiring the vehicle and persisted despite multiple repair attempts. The incident is primarily caused by engineering flaws and faulty materials, particularly the defective oil control rings leading to excessive oil consumption. Despite engine replacements, the problem persisted, indicating a fundamental design flaw. The sunroof leakage and other system malfunctions further suggest widespread safety and durability issues in the vehicle, rendering it unsafe to operate.

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Electrical · FL

Awakened to lights flashing, horn going off, wipers running on a vehicle that was parked with keys removed. The cem underneath driver's side dash had gotten wet from rain water leaking into it and subsequently shorted out requiring $2350 replacement via dealer. This IS A Huge problem.... however, and wait for it. IT IS NOT DUE TO THE SUNROOF.... I know this with absolute certainty because I have 3 2006-2010 xc90's and NONE HAVE SUNROOFS but all 3 had to have CEM reprogrammed. I can't understand why NOTHING has been done about this... it's absurd.

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · TN

The car has a factory fault with the Windshield Wiper or Turn Signal contact switch, which is causing the inability to use the left/right signal and the wipers. The entire part is factory faulty, rendering the vehicle unable to operate safely. This affects visibility during wet conditions because the wipers cannot be activated due to the malfunctioning switch, which can lead to serious accidents. Additionally, malfunctioning left/right turning signals can also cause serious accidents, as it is a crucial function. Yes, the vehicle is available upon request. I contacted Volvo, but they declined to fix the issue. They have published a technical bulletin regarding the problem but are not recalling the vehicles. Many other Volvo models have the same factory defect, as can be found on the internet. The technical bulletin confirms their fault. I have attached the file. No, the vehicle has not been inspected. Yes, the vehicle shows a "turn indicator malfunction" message on the main screen. This issue started around 89k miles.

Filed Oct 11, 2023 · Visibility · MA

Wipers began to turn on randomly without driver command causing distractions in a vehicle with 38,000 miles. There is a technical service bulletin about this issue (32366). It is known that the wipers will completely fail to work after an unknown, but rather short interval. Failed windshield wipers would render the vehicle unsafe to operate, therefore we elected for Immediate repair. The repair was in excess of $1,500 and the manufacturer refused to pay for the repair out of warranty.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Fuel system · NY

On 6/12/23, I was driving on a highway in New York State when I heard a bump under my car and I thought it was a rock. Nothing flashed on my dash to warn me that something serious had happened. Another driver pulled next to me and shouted out of the window, "YOUR CAR IS SPILLING GAS OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF YOUR CAR, PULL OVER OR YOUR CAR MAY CATCH FIRE." As I was near an exit, I got off the highway, and there was a service station right there. When I got out of the car, with the ignition off, I saw gas coming from the bottom of my car like a faucet (Tank was 1/2 full). The service people told me to get away from the car and they tried to catch the gas as it was going all over the road and parking lot. My car was towed by Volvo to a dealer and they found that there was a 4 inch gash in my gas tank, likely caused by a piece of metal that fell from a truck. It took a week to fix my car, replace the gas tank, fuel pump and everything associated with the fuel system. It cost me $3,800 to fix. My car had less than 9,000 miles on it. When I approached VOLVO USA headquarters and asked that they try to reimburse me they replied it was an ACT OF GOD, and they would not cover any of it. My insurance would not cover it as it was not an accident. My complaint is that this car had no warning system within the high tech dashboard to alert me that my car was in trouble. Had it not been for the stranger on the road, I would not have known, as my A/C was on and my windows were closed. I did not smell the gas until I left the car. It is a flaw of this car that there was no warning system in place to let me know that my gas tank was breached. My dash flashes signals when my windshield wiper fluid is low. I am appealing to the National Highway Safety Commission to report this to Volvo, and not only try to get me paid back some of the money I spent, but to upgrade their safety alert system so someone does not get killed in a freak incident like this

Filed Aug 24, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · 31,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The consumer stated the problem was software updates which resolved all the problems, but wants to understand why the software update caused so many issues.

Filed May 19, 2021 · Seat belts, Steering · CA

Steering-linkages: tie rod assembly on certain passenger vehicles, the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod ball joint. Consequences of defect: the driver may notice that hte vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash. Wheels: on certain SUV's the front wheel speed sensors may be defective. Causing an erroneous whill speed signal. Consequences of the defect: this can adversely affect a number of vehicle functions, including brake, engine, transmission, and torque distribution control which rely on this signal for proper operation. Visibilty: windshield wiper/washer on certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on its drivershaft, resulting in an inability to move the wiper from the park posiiot from the park position. Consequences of defect: inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility. Seats belts: rear on certain SUV's, the seat belt attachment for the second and third row seats may not have been fitted properly. Consequences of defect: in the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Corrective action: dealers will inspect and repair the defects free of charged. In my case, the manufacturer has declined to repair the defects even when the dealer has diagnosed my SUV with the power steering problem, plus the defects already mentioned. Therefore,the dealer will not repair free of charge. Number of vehicles affected: 122431 dates manufactured: feb 2003 to jun 2004